Northstar Nurture School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Northstar Nurture School Old CPC at James Cambell Primary School, Langley Crescent, Dagenham RM9 6TD

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1) to 2(2)(b), 2(2)(d) to 2(2)(iii), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i), 2A(1) to 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(d) to 2A(2)  The proposed school has written suitable curriculum and assessment policies. These take into consideration the ages and aptitudes of the intended cohort of pupils. Leaders intend to ensure there is flexibility within the delivery of the curriculum. This is because they want teaching to be driven by the needs of the pupils and their starting points. There are plans to closely check the gaps pupils may have in their knowledge when they start the school. They propose to use interventions to supplement classroom teaching and to address individual pupils’ needs.  The schemes of work cover all the required areas of learning. These include curriculums in English, mathematics, science, physical education, computing, art, history, geography and citizenship and careers education. This takes into consideration

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Main inspection findings

what and when important information and experiences will be delivered.  The requirements for relationships and sex education (RSE) are likely to be met. The school has the necessary policy relating to RSE. There are plans to consult with parents and carers on this policy when the school opens. RSE will be delivered as part of pupils’ personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education. Paragraphs 3 to 3(j),4  The proprietor plans to be the headteacher to this school and not the other school within the organisation. The school intends to recruit a number of new staff, including school leaders. The proprietor and supporting staff across the organisation are highly qualified and have the knowledge and skills to deliver education for pupils with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs as well as neurodiversity. The school will use the same systems as those used at the other school for training, developing and

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Main inspection findings

monitoring teachers and teaching. The proposed school is likely to be appropriately resourced and staffed for up to six pupils by September 2025.  The proposed school’s assessment framework is likely to effectively support adults in checking and recording pupils’ progress. This includes progress through the curriculum and in monitoring the outcomes set out in pupils’ education, health and care (EHC) plans.  The independent school standards (the standards) in this part are likely to be met. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5 to 5(d)(iii)  The proposed school’s planned personal development programme will focus on preparing pupils to re-engage with education and build their self-esteem. Provision will, therefore, include therapeutic intervention, and plans to develop pupils’ social skills, communication and behaviour. A range of enrichment activities, including visits

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Main inspection findings

to museums, galleries and other opportunities are also planned.  Timetabled lessons in PSHE and citizenship as well as assemblies, visits and guest speakers will be used to teach pupils about fundamental British values and all the protected characteristics, as identified in the Equality Act 2010.  The proposed school’s curriculum policy makes clear that staff must not promote any partisan political views in any aspect of their work with pupils.  The independent school standard in this part is likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7 to 7(b)  The proposed school’s safeguarding policy reflects the latest statutory guidance. It will be made available online when the proposed school launches its website. There is a proposed robust safeguarding training schedule. This intends to ensure all staff are aware of their roles and responsibilities, as well as the additional vulnerabilities of the

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Main inspection findings

proposed cohort.  Leaders, including the proprietor, have completed appropriate safeguarding and safer recruitment training. They have a strong understanding of their duties and of the challenges their pupils are likely to present or face. They know the importance of establishing and maintaining a strong safeguarding culture and have mechanisms in place to ensure that is embedded. There will be an appropriate system in place to identify and document safeguarding concerns, including referrals and any action staff may take. This includes working with outside agencies such as social care services and other professionals. Paragraphs 9 and 10  The proposed school’s behaviour and anti-bullying policies have clear expectations. They are likely to be suitably implemented, because there is a robust training package. Clear procedures for recording and logging of incidents, including imposed sanctions, have been identified.

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Main inspection findings

 The proposed school’s planned nurturing approaches include supervision and monitoring from the governing body. Members have the relevant training and expertise necessary to provide this. They will help to train staff in learning how to support pupils to manage and regulate their own behaviour. Paragraphs 11 to 16  The proprietor has the knowledge to make sure that the school will likely comply with health and safety legislation and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The proprietor intends to provide clear structures and guidance, such as health and safety policies and checklists. The proprietor has worked with the landlord to ensure that an external fire-risk assessment has taken place and any actions relating to the building have been addressed.  The school has considered a range of risks, including on-site and off-site planned activities. They have in place risk assessments with thoughtful mitigating measures.

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Main inspection findings

The school intends to deploy staff suitably, with three staff members to one pupil.  The design of the proposed school building has been considered, for example electronic access controls and the layout of the different spaces and removal of equipment, such as faulty ovens. Leaders intend to put additional measures in place to further secure the outside spaces, such as screenings on outside fences.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2) to 18(2)(e), 18(3), 19(2) to 19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3), 21(1) to 21(3)(b), 21(5) to 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(c), 21(6)  The single central record contains the required information. The required pre- employment checks, for example on staff the proprietor and governors, have been completed in line with requirements.  The school may require the use of agency teachers or other staff. Those responsible

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Main inspection findings

for acquiring such services know the checks they need to make in line with requirements.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1) to 23(1)(c), 24(1) to 24(1)(b), 24(2), 25 to 28(2)(b)  The proposed school building used to be a local authority alternative provision. Its layout is suitable for an education setting. It has suitable lighting and acoustics in the different spaces within the building. Drinking water supplies are available from numerous locations.  The premises include classrooms and a large space that can be used for dining and other shared experiences. There are suitable individual toilets and washing facilities.  The school has a medical room which will likely meet the requirements of the independent school standards. It is on the ground floor, has washing facilities and a toilet nearby. Paragraph 29(1) to 29(1)(b)

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Main inspection findings

 There are outside play areas which can be used for physical education (PE). The premises do not include changing and shower facilities. However, the school intends to make use of local leisure centres to further enhance the teaching of PE. These have the facilities to provide access to showers for both boys and girls.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1) to 32(1)(d), 32(1)(f) to 32(2)(b)(i), 32(2)(c) to 32(4)(c)  The proposed school’s leaders understand which information and policies are required to be made available to parents, inspectors and local authorities. These will be made available on the proposed school’s new website when it is launched.  Leaders have prepared a suitable template to report half-termly to parents on pupils’ progress and attainment in all areas of learning.  The standard in this part is likely to be met. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 33 to 33(k)  The proposed school’s complaints policy details procedures and timescales about how any complaint will be managed. For example, there are methods to record complaints so they are retained over time. This provides assurances that complaints would be taken seriously.  The standard in this part is likely to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  The proprietor and governing body have a secure understanding of the independent school standards. This is evident through the range of evidence gathered for this pre- registration inspection.  They have established mechanisms to check that the proposed school will continually meet the requirements of the standards. The intended governing body has expertise in education, and in particular with pupils with SEND. The proprietor runs another school, which has been judged as outstanding by Ofsted. This provides further

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Main inspection findings

assurance that leaders have a secure understanding of all requirements.  The standard in this part is likely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proposed school’s accessibility plan is likely to be suitable in meeting this requirement.

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school is likely to meet the requirements of the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 (‘the independent school standards’) and associated requirements.

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Proposed school details

This inspection was carried out under section 99 of the Education and Skills Act 2008, the purpose of which is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school’s likely compliance with the independent school standards that are required for registration as an independent school.

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Proposed school details

Type of school Other independent special school

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Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) £49,500 to £65,000

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Proposed school details

Email address euan.macdonald@northstarnewschool.org

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 7 to 16 7 to 16 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 25 25

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Mixed Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age Not applicable 25

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 25

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan Not applicable 25

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils paid for by a local authority with an education, health and care plan Not applicable 25

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 4

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable Not applicable

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Information about this proposed school

 The proprietor of this proposed school is also the proprietor of Northstar New School, which is registered with Ofsted.  The school plans to cater for pupils with an EHC plan. Pupils are likely to have special educational needs related to SEMH. This may also include autism and ADHD.  The school plans to open in September 2025 with one class of pupils.

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Information about this inspection

 The inspection was carried out under section 99 of the Education and Skills Act 2008, the purpose of which is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school’s likely compliance with the independent school standards that are required for registration as an independent school.  This is the school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The inspection was conducted with two days of notice.  The inspectors met with the headteacher, chair of the governing body and other school leaders.  The inspectors considered a wide range of evidence to check the likelihood of the school meeting all of the independent school standards. This included a tour of the premises, review of key documents and policies and consideration of the school’s proposed curriculum.

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Inspection team

Kieran Bird, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector

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Inspection team

Deborah Walters His Majesty’s Inspector guidance ‘Raising concerns and making a complaint about Ofsted’, which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.gov.uk/government/publications/complaints-about-ofsted . If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

You can also use Parent View to find out what other parents and carers think about schools in England. You can visit www.parentview.ofsted.gov.uk , or look for the link on the main Ofsted website: www.gov.uk/ofsted .

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Inspection team

achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children’s social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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